Be Nice to the IT Department
September 18th, 2008 Posted in Career
When you are in the Information Technology profession, people come to you with every question that has to do with anything technology. There is rarely a buffer to their questions or an understanding of what we go through; people just assume that “The computer guy can fix it.” In most cases, that is true; however, people never realize that each new problem takes time to research, understand, and execute a plan. Most importantly, time that is spent fixing the little problems can consume a majority of one’s day. This is a double edged sword, because having the mindset of a technology guru gives us a logic that differs from that of a normal user (this is a generalization), creating a thought process or problem solving ability ideal for solving computer problems: nine times out of ten we can come up with a solution. That is great. But ten times out of ten, we will spend the time trying to come up with that solution.
Being in the technology profession, you get accustom to this type of behavior. It may be tedious at times, but at the end of the day you possess a skill set that not everyone has. Furthermore, there is a demand for people with these skill sets. The downside to this equation is the value of IT and knowledge of technology. Seldom do you ask people in professions other than IT to provide a service for free: I do understand that the closer the relationship the more probable it is that this will happen. The real point of this is that people will ask a favor of a technology expert regardless of their rapport.
This is where the importance of establishing that relationship with the technology department, or the computer guy, or whatever name you have for him or her. This is important as it creates a relationship that is not one-sided. Over the past few years of my life I have encountered and been part of the one sided professional relationship on giving side; conversely, I have also been lucky enough to have a few professional relationships that are two sided. Depending on the relationship, the level of expertise offered will vary; therefore, increased contact with IT (other than “My computers broke”) will also increase the level of service. Bottom line, treat the IT department with respect and you will be glad you made the effort. You may even learn a thing or two.
10 Responses to “Be Nice to the IT Department”
By Computer Consulting Kit Preview Blog on Sep 18, 2008
Building a good relationship with your IT professional is really important. As someone who works with small business IT consultants (and who has been one myself!), I know there are a lot of frustrating business owners and staff members out there who commit a wide range of offenses when it comes to their designated IT professional (or IT department). In fact, I teach consultants the importance of developing great relationships and getting rid of those deadbeat, nightmare clients that are disrespectful and generally waste time. Similarly, there are probably a lot of BAD IT consultants that have frustrated business owners by being impatient and not understanding their real needs. The big thing is, no IT consultant is going to stick with a company that asks endless questions (often because they are not listening when the answers were delivered in the first place, often multiple times), expect something for nothing, refuse to engage in long-term relationships that involve proactive maintenance, support, regular reports, etc., don’t pay on time and are generally rude. And no company should stick with a tech provider that shows up late, is impatient and disrespectful, does not regularly communicate about problems and changes, etc. It’s true that a GOOD computer consultant has skills that no one else does, and thus should be treated like any other trusted business advisor that is offering a service that is integral to growing a business. Respect and communication are essential to good, working computer consulting-business client relationships … and we’re seeing relationships as a trend becoming more and more important as technology connects us in new ways. Thanks for this important blog post!
By nor | www.hrmbusiness.com on Sep 21, 2008
I have always viewed the IT department, like HRM, as an organization’s strategic partner. Information is vital in any business, today, more than ever. Hence, an IT department plays a very crucial law. It does not only deserve “kindness” but respect, proper accolade, and support from other departments.
By LEon on Sep 24, 2008
How true. Some are over paid while many are underpaid… Some are doers, while many are talkers. It is true that those who solved the problem by doing the real work do not get appreciated. However there are both side of the coin. Bad IT guys and the unreasonable client.
By Dorothy Stahlnecker on Sep 25, 2008
Certainly a different and interesting view for all of us to consider….
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
By beau71 on Sep 26, 2008
This is why you get such great IT Support!!
By Louie on Oct 2, 2008
I’ve worked as a system administrator for a couple of years and I agree with your article. LOL! I was getting questions on how to get and install a wallpaper for goodness sakes. Well, it’s a great way to get to know your co-workers a little bit. I was lucky enough to get to work with nice people. 🙂
By MommyBrain on Oct 3, 2008
Ok, I totally know what you mean! I’ve worked in IT for years, and this is definitely a true article! I remember some of the demands were just too funny, and some were just outrageous… All in all, it was a fun time.. now I teach my 3yo twins how to run a mac… I love it…
I also wanted to let you know that I gave you an award! Come by Mommy Brain Reports and claim it!! You can also add yourself to my linky!!